EDITORIAL: Don't ask to reschedule 200-year-old traditions
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This year, St. Patrick's Day is falling during Holy Week for the first time since 1940. Many members of the Christian community have a problem with extravagant parades and excessive parties happening during the solemn week preceding Easter. It was pointless, however, for Christian leaders to attempt to change city traditions because of the permanence of the March 17 St. Patrick's Day date.
According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, liturgical rules dictate that no Mass in honor of the saint can be celebrated on Monday, March 17. This is a reasonable rule because of the obvious conflict between the sometimes outrageous festivities that happen on this day and respecting religious traditions.
However, many Christian leaders started trying long ago to persuade cities to change the date that they hold citywide parades and festivities. For example, Bishop Frederick F. Campbell of Columbus, Ohio, a city which has a huge St. Patrick's day celebration, attempted to persuade city officials to change the date the parade was scheduled for, which the city refused to do.
Asking cities to change traditions that have been in place for years is an impractical request. The New York City Saint Patrick's Day parade will march through the city for the 246th year this Monday. Traditions such as these are ingrained in the culture of the city and have been held on March 17 for the entire existence of the parades.
Cities such as Philadelphia and Milwaukee changed their parade dates to avoid the clash with Holy Week. Most cities, however, decided to maintain their St. Patrick's Day traditions and stick to the March 17 date.
If you decide not to take part in recognizing Holy Week, we encourage you to shroud yourself in green, watch the parades on TV, drink cheap green beer and pretend you're Irish even if you're not so you can join in the festivities and consume unhealthy amounts of green food dye.
However, be respectful of the Christian traditions which surround Holy Week. For many, this is an important week to practice religious beliefs and commemorate the life of Jesus Christ. Have your fun, but be courteous, too.
According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, liturgical rules dictate that no Mass in honor of the saint can be celebrated on Monday, March 17. This is a reasonable rule because of the obvious conflict between the sometimes outrageous festivities that happen on this day and respecting religious traditions.
However, many Christian leaders started trying long ago to persuade cities to change the date that they hold citywide parades and festivities. For example, Bishop Frederick F. Campbell of Columbus, Ohio, a city which has a huge St. Patrick's day celebration, attempted to persuade city officials to change the date the parade was scheduled for, which the city refused to do.
Asking cities to change traditions that have been in place for years is an impractical request. The New York City Saint Patrick's Day parade will march through the city for the 246th year this Monday. Traditions such as these are ingrained in the culture of the city and have been held on March 17 for the entire existence of the parades.
Cities such as Philadelphia and Milwaukee changed their parade dates to avoid the clash with Holy Week. Most cities, however, decided to maintain their St. Patrick's Day traditions and stick to the March 17 date.
If you decide not to take part in recognizing Holy Week, we encourage you to shroud yourself in green, watch the parades on TV, drink cheap green beer and pretend you're Irish even if you're not so you can join in the festivities and consume unhealthy amounts of green food dye.
However, be respectful of the Christian traditions which surround Holy Week. For many, this is an important week to practice religious beliefs and commemorate the life of Jesus Christ. Have your fun, but be courteous, too.
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